Chris Ozment

About Me

Atlanta and Chattanooga are listed as locations because I sometimes shoot in these cities, and I am conveniently located an equal distance between the two.

At least once a week, I get a message from someone asking for my advice and guidance about how to break into modeling. I’m always quick to point out that I'm primarily a goat farmer, very un-glamorous, and the opposite of a model in every way. I know nothing about fashion. When asked, I always make a point to explain that maybe I’m not the best person to talk to, but still, some people insist upon seeking me out and asking for my guidance. So here it is:

Be ready to deal with mean people. Realize that modeling is a field that’s based entirely on outer beauty. It’s a very superficial profession. There are people that will tell you that you have no worth unless you look a certain way, are a certain size, height,etc. Be prepared to get your feelings hurt. You need to have thick skin and not allow criticism to affect your self-worth.

I always spend a great deal of time explaining to new models that it’s a very dangerous world. There are a lot of individuals in this industry who will not hesitate to victimize you sexually and/or financially. The two main rules that I always stress is always take along a chaperon,and always check some references on photographers, agents, etc. There are some photographers out there that will act insulted, tell you their work speaks for its self, refuse to provide references, and tell you chaperons are not allowed. That’s what I’d tell you, too, if I was a serial rapist who wants to lure you to the middle of nowhere, alone, in order to victimize you. But I’m not a serial rapist. I’m a photographer, and there is nothing I do that is so complicated that a non-intrusive chaperon will interfere with. When contacted by a photographer, or before you contact a photographer, do a little research. You can discover a lot from simply doing Google searches, checking with the Better Business Bureau website,and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Sex Offender Registry. I am dead serious. Always check the GBI Sex Offender Registry. Also, if you have a mutual face book friend (that you actually know) who has shot with this person, ask her/him. If you start to uncover information from any of these sources that throw up red flags, walk away because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Proceeding isn't worth the risk.

Think long and harm about how the choices you make now could have negative consequences for you years from now. Protect your image. Decide early on what your limits are. Keep in mind that many years ago, a lot of current grandmothers and great grandmothers posed in “Gentlemen’s Magazines.” These provocative images faded away into obscurity as the magazines were thrown away, deposited under tons of earth in land fields, or otherwise disappeared. We live in a different world now due to social media, the internet, text messages, and other high tech devices. Once a photo of you is snapped and sent out into cyberspace, you have no control over it. It takes on a life of it’s on, and it will never disappear. This can come back to haunt you if you ever run for public office, become a teacher, lawyer, or any one of a number of different positions in the modern work force. And it’s wrong that something you do as a kid (or young adult) can comeback and haunt you years later, but it happens, so be careful and use good judgment. It’s also important to realize that once photographer snaps a photo of you, he/she pretty much owns the rights to it. There is not much you can do to get photographer to take it down, not post/publish it, etc. You are at his /her mercy. That is why it is even more important to do some research. I personally have never declined to take down a photo if the model didn’t approve of it, but from what I’m hearing lately, I’m definitely in a minority when it comes to this.

The line between bikini/lingerie/implied/artistic nude/pornography is not always clearly defined. I always encourage everyone to keep it as modest as possible, (especially at first) but ultimately, the choice should be the models,and no one has any right to encourage someone to go beyond their limits and comfort zone. Your parents, significant other, siblings, etc, are all entitled to offer their input because they care about you and have invested in you emotionally, and believe it or not, maybe there is some wisdom that these individuals have to offer you. Listen to their input and take it to heart. When you have decided upon your limits, stick to them. There are some highly manipulative people out there that will try to convince you, after the shoot started, that “when we discussed the shoot, you agreed to pose nude,” etc. I've even heard of some of these guys throwing some pretty impressive fits, make threats to sue you if you don’t undress, etc. No one can sue you for not posing nude. Do not let these guys push you into something that you aren't comfortable doing. There are all sorts of tricks they will try. Walk away.

Know the photographer’s rules and respect them Personally, I don’t have many,but recently that has started to change. If a photographer gives you a CD of pre-edits (most don’t), ask “can I post these?” Most of the time, the photographer prefers that you don’t. And it’s not in your best interest to post pre-edited shots. Also, do not EVER take it upon yourself to edit the photographer’s work, or allow another photographer to edit the photographers work unless you have specific permission. Preferably, written permission.

Have a Drama-Free online presence. Think about having a separate “professional”profile for modeling on various social networking sites so you don’t have a lo tof personal information/business out in the public eye. There are two reasons for this. The first is your safety. You will probably have a stalker or two at some point. You don’t need the stalker having pictures of you standing in front of your house, or of your kids. Secondly, if you are prone to any drama at all, it’s best not to have this on a profile that you are trying to use for professional networking.

So there it is, in a nutshell. My advice. Get other advice too, but most importantly, stay safe!

I'm located in Rome, GA, which is about halfway between Chattanooga and Atlanta. I've listed both Chattanooga and Atlanta as alternate locations because I have worked in both.

I believe a successful shoot should involve mutual collaboration between all involved and the comfort and well being of the model is always the top priority. With me, you will never have to deal with drama, insults, bad attitudes, tremendous egos, jealousy, manipulative behavior, etc. I can assure you that you will leave my studio (or whatever location that we use) knowing that you had a good experience! Chaperons are welcome, and I have no objection to providing references. In fact, you can do a reference with anyone that I’ve ever worked with!

My rates are extremely reasonable, and I’ll spend a ridiculous amount of time and effort to provide you with images that will you can be proud of. I’m not opposed to travel if expenses are covered.

I am available for select TFCD projects on rare occasion. Got an idea? Message me, and maybe we can collaborate! At this point, time is very limited, and honestly, there isn't that many voids in my portfolio that needs to be filled. But if you have an idea, don't hesitate to message me. If the answer is "No," you have my promise that I'll be nice about it. No egos here. I may even be able to refer you to someone else who is shooting TFCD.

My studio is located on a 100 acre farm in Rome, GA. I have access to fields, barns full of hay, forests, old trucks, creeks, tractors, etc. In addition to the previously mentioned inanimate objects, we have 6 miniature donkeys, 6 pet goats, a pot bellied pig, a few chickens, and a Boxer and Boston Terrier that just love to meet new people! All of our animals are rescues and extremely friendly. I find that visitors frequently want to come back (and bring the kids) just to visit all of the farm residents!

My studio is available on a rental basis for other photographers. Rates are reasonable and vary depending on the project (usually $40 an hour, minimum 2 hours), and I am available for mentoring and providing guidance on studio lighting, etc. There is restroom/shower facilities, large mirrored make up area, office area with dual monitor computer setup, TV (Dish Network), and sound system (bring your iPod or CD’s)! The refrigerator is always stocked with water, Diet Coke, and YooHoos!

Credits

"Chris is a wonderful, flexible photographer. He's very kind, lots of ideas, offers many wardrobe outfits and costumes. He's alot of fun. Highly suggest him. It's always a pleasure! He's so silly and makes you feel right at home."

"Mr. Ozment is the most genuine person I have met in Modeling. He truly puts love and effort into his work and wants his client to be able to walk away with useful photos that they are proud of! He is fantastic about making you feel "right at home" and has tons of room for crea...tivity at his farm and studio!"moreless

Credit Notes

"Chris Ozment is an excellent photographer. Chris was extremely easy to work with during our photo shoot which is apparent in the pictures we shot. My pictures came out amazing and were totally different from anything I had in my portfolio. Chris is not afraid to be different in order to create amazing photos. I have referred him to a number of my friends and I will definitely shot with Chris again." Shantea Johnson, Bikini Fitness Competitor and Fitnes Model

"Chris Ozment is an amazing photographer, if you could not already tell by looking at his work. I have worked with him just once, but loved the whole experience.He’s laid back and professional at the same time. His personality creates an environment where not only do you feel comfortable but you feel inspired to get creative and have fun. I would definitely recommend any model to seek out Chris, as he will definitely add diversity and great work to their portfolio.With that being said, I can’t wait to work with Chris again and see what amazing images we can produce!" Randi Hall, Model and Photographer at Randi Hall Photogrpahy

"My daughter did a shoot with Chris Ozment Photography and it was such an awesome experience. From riding on the Gator to find the perfect spot ...going through creeks and fields...to the cows, goats, donkeys and pig...made the day fun and not work for her!!!! Of course Charlie and Trixie can't be left out! The photo shoot came out amazing and spending the day on the farm was just the icing on the cake!!!!" Michele H, manager (and Mother) of Morgan H.

"Chris Ozment makes you look good. No not good, great. If you are already a model, aspiring model, or inexperienced like me, you should work with Chris. He does amazing work with lighting and the flow of posing is all your own. It makes things so much easier when you do have have someone critiquing every chin movement or tilt of the head. Chris is a true photographer you can be comfortable working with." Susan Dunacn

"I've known Chris for years and he is, by far, the most fun photographer I've ever worked with! I've trusted Chris to take my family's Five Generation photos and I always turn to him for my professional photos that I use to build my modeling and acting portfolio. While Chris has an excellent location for both indoor and outdoor shoots, he is always willing to go on location if requested. His prices for the shoots and editing are the best that I've ever seen and his turnaround time is phenomenal. I always recommend Chris Ozment Photography any time I'm asked who I use." Stephanie Stewart, Model and Actress.

"This is one photographer that I would recommend to everyone! Chris is a very professional photographer that makes you feel right at home, whether it be in his studio or on the farm. He is also great with new models. Going to your first shoot(s) can be a bit hectic. Nerves everywhere but he really makes you feel comfortable with what your doing and you will receive the quality images that you desire. No doubt about it. He also allows you to let out your own creativity and a total blast to shoot with. I've shot with him twice and I intend to set up even more photo shoots in the future!" Kendra Rene, Model.